Animation Supervisor

About Barnstorm

Barnstorm is an Emmy and VES-nominated visual effects studio based in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Montreal providing photo-realistic visual effects for a variety of television and online streaming projects. We pride ourselves in our artists’ talent and dedication to producing world-class visual effects.   

Who You Are

You are an expert in the photorealistic world of animation and performance methodologies. As an expert you can teach best practices and you have a willingness to work within as well as contribute to our internal pipeline. The Animation Supervisor should be passionate about creating high quality animation for film, television and streaming projects. You have experience mentoring and leading a team of 5-10, including but not limited to Animation, Layout, and Rigging.

The Animation Supervisor reports to the Head of CG and project CG Supervisor(s), as well as partners with Animation Supervisors.

What You’ll Do

Process (70 - 80% - Immediate expectations)

• Ensure and maintain the quality and style of the character performance and continuity across assigned project(s)
• Establish and ensure an efficient methodology to meet project needs.
• Work on-the-box / on shots, set up and create methodologies for characters and/or VFX animation (multiple shows)
• Provide notes and coaching for other project artists
• Communicate timely and clear updates with Production/Coords/Stakeholders to manage bid hours, priorities, resources and deliverables
• Participate in show planning and bidding as required
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Pioneering (20%)

• Identify, prioritize and implement ongoing departmental workflow improvement plans  and tools to meet show and studio objectives. 
• Work closely with the Pipeline HOD, Technical Lead-Animation, TDs, Rigging and Layout providing feedback with the aim of ensuring artists have tools and techniques to complete their shots.
• Build and maintain a library of tools, and ongoing technical documentation, instructional documents aligning with studio objectives.
  
  

People (10%)

• Partner with Animation Supervisors on best practices for show and studio level
• Supervise and coach Jr-Sr Animators towards expectations; set standards and benchmarks
• Participate in assessing the work of prospective animation candidates for the hiring process and collaborate with HR/Recruitment on interviewing/hiring decisions
• Deliver new hire orientation and training/instructional support
• Work with HR to provide constructive artistic and job performance feedback, for team building and succession planning
• Act as a mentor to inspire, motivate and develop the talent of the animators

What You Bring

• 7+  years of experience in a VFX studio
• 2+  years work experience at a Supervisory Level on high end VFX and animation projects
• Broad technical knowledge of all aspects of animation, including key-frame, mo-cap, facial animation, rigging and muscle systems
• Working knowledge of Maya for the purposes of troubleshooting, and guiding methodology choices
• Proven experience communicating information with clients and team members of all levels
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting quality standards, deadlines and bid hours
• Previous experience in multi-show, deadline driven project management and client relations
• Ability to troubleshoot and predict potential issues
• Experienced leadership and creative problem solving 
• Excellent English communication skills both verbal and written
• Experience in episodic animation is highly preferred
• Must demonstrate an up-to-date reel, portfolio and resume showcasing requirements

About This Role

This is a remote based role. Project and staff positions available with extended health benefits and opportunity to participate in RRSP programs. Note: At this time we are only accepting applications from those artists legally eligible to work in Canada. (Eg. Canadian or PR and are residents of Montreal or BC)

The posted pay range is aligned with what we believe is fair pay at the time of posting this role. An applicant’s relevant education, experience, skills and qualifications, location and currency may all be considered when deciding pay position within the range. Pay ranges may change.Benefit plans are dependent on the local plan offering and employment status but all US and Canada plans include a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings, and paid time off.Barnstorm VFX is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team that provides a meaningful work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Indigenous people, people of color, people of all genders or non-genders, and people with disabilities of all types are encouraged to apply. We thank everyone for their interest and application, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.